In a shocking turn of events, the Tianlong-3 first stage booster of a Chinese commercial space company, Space Pioneer, broke free during a routine static firing on a test stand in China's Henan province. The unintended launch took place on Sunday and lasted approximately a minute, culminating in a catastrophic explosion in nearby hills, about a mile away from the test stand.

According to Spacenews, footage captured the entire incident, showcasing the rocket stage leaving the ground and soaring into the sky under its own power for around 30 seconds. However, the stage flipped over on its side, initiating a free fall back to the surface. Approximately a minute into the video, a deafening explosion shook the surroundings, followed by a massive fireball engulfing a nearby hillside.

The incident, which was captured from various angles and nearby settlements, raised concerns about potential casualties. However, a statement from Space Pioneer reassured that there were no reported casualties resulting from the accident. The company emphasized that the test site was located far from nearby Gongyi city, where the explosion had been clearly visible.

An investigation into the unexpected launch and subsequent explosion revealed that the incident was caused by a structural failure where the booster connected to the test stand. The tests were part of the preparations for an upcoming orbital mission for the Tianlong-3 rocket, which is often compared to SpaceX's Falcon 9.

China has experienced challenges with space debris from its missions and failed launch stages landing in rural areas. Just last week, a rocket was witnessed releasing toxic chemicals over a populated region, highlighting the potential dangers associated with such incidents.

As the investigation into the Tianlong-3 accident continues, authorities will undoubtedly be looking closely at safety protocols and structural integrity to prevent future mishaps.